“There were too many distractions on and off the court. The organization as a whole, I don’t think was together completely. I think as a team you have to want the best for the next man beside you, and that wasn’t the case with the Sacramento Kings,” he said. “Too much tension. I’ve never witnessed or experienced a thing like that in my 10-year career.”

Rondo called Cousins “the best big in the league” and said the 25-year-old center has “become like a little brother to me.” But Rondo also said Cousins has room to improve. […] “He’s one of the guys that’s very selfless. He has to find other ways to get it done. He’s going to continue to grow and learn. I was just glad I was able to be in his life and have a little bit of influence and help him a little bit this year,” said Rondo. […] Rondo said he would “love to continue to play with” Cousins, but for that to happen, he and the Kings need to “come together and figure out if we can work, but if not, I’m always in, I’m open. I’m open this summer and I look forward to having a great career.”

Last December, Rondo directed a gay slur at veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy, who announced he was gay after the incident. Rondo later apologized. […] “I definitely want to apologize again for my actions earlier on in the year. That’s not who I am if you know me. Want to send my thoughts and prayers out to the LGBT community. The only thing that’s going to stop all this madness is love. The only thing that can conquer hate is love. I think that’s what we need to do is love one another. My prayers and thoughts go out to the community of Orlando.”